BYD stock briefly hit a record high following the introduction of a new smart-driving system which will be available in most of its models.

The integration of DeepSeek, the company said, would help improve self-driving technology and provide a more personalised experience for consumers. The AI firm made headlines last month when it unveiled a chatbot that can match its American competitors apparently at a fraction of the cost.

Advanced smart driving will become a standard safety feature similar to seatbelts and air bags, BYD's founder and chairman Wang Chuanfu said.